Meet the Team - Jordan Bowar

Introducing Jordan Bowar, our Construction Manager here at Zehnder Homes.

Get to know Jordan a little better...

Name/Nickname:
Jordan

Job Title:
Construction Manager

Where I’m From:
Waconia

Favorite thing about my job:
Seeing the projects evolve from a full-blown construction site to a finished space/home.

My favorite housing trend currently:
Open floor plans

Favorite Food:
Tacos

What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My family, lakes, and football.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
On the lake boating or ice fishing.

Jordan with his wife and daughter.

Meet the Team - Rob Zehnder

We’re excited to introduce our Purchasing Manager, Rob Zehnder! He’s a vital part of our team, as he manages all the selection pricing for our clients and assists at the job sites.

Get to know Rob a little bit more…

Name/Nickname: Robert/Rob

Job Title: Purchasing Manager

Where I’m From: Truman MN - I graduated from Gustavus.

Favorite thing about my job: Seeing new trends and new ideas. I like being a part of building something special to our clients.

My favorite housing trend currently: Reclaimed material

Favorite Food: Steak, biscuits and gravy, milk, cheese

What are 4 things you can’t live without? My truck, dairy products, weekends, & my dog Smokey

When I’m not working, you’ll find me… Working on my house, at the lake, spending time with friends, family, and my fiance’ Sara.

Rob & his fiance, Sara

Room of the Month - Linner Road Living Room

Our Fall 2018 Parade of Homes Model home was a showstopper. We’re so excited to share a closer look into one of our favorite spaces of the home - the Living Room!

Built Ins
The built in floating cabinetry brings function and style. With soft close drawers & doors, wood top, and large hardware - this space is perfect for storing movies, blankets and more - while still creating a contemporary feel. These cabinets are a stained Rift Oak, and if we do say so ourselves, are gorgeous.

Hardwood Floors
The wood floors are a site-finish hardwood floor. They’re 5” wide and 3/4” thick White Oak with a custom stain. The stain is a warm grey/brown that ties in the neutral pallet of this home perfectly. Site finish hardwood floors are great because over time, if they scratch, you can get them refinished!

Fireplace
This fireplace is truly the centerpiece of this room. With stone going up to the ceiling, a raised limestone hearth, and cozy open flame gas fireplace unit. This is the perfect spot to cozy up next to in the cold winter months. The custom made wrapped mantel adds a contemporary finish to a more traditional fireplace to tie the entire space together.

Folding Door
This home sits on a large flat lot, that was perfect for a pool! With that pool, the homeowners decided they wanted to expand their entertaining space - so they could bring the outdoors in. The Centor folding door was the perfect fit to make this dream a reality! The large 4 panes of glass include a swing door, and can bi-fold on-top of one another to create an open wall! This door also features a window-covering system for privacy, as well as a complete screen that will cover the entire opening.

What is your favorite part of this space?

Room of the Month - Glen Road Kitchen

Modern farmhouse style with an art deco twist! This spacious Kitchen offers plenty of light, a large island, and beautiful wainscoting on the walls. 

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The Center Island
A large center island is the perfect place to enjoy appetizers & drinks with friends, or serve the kiddos a quick dinner. It's blue-gray color adds a "pop" without being too startling. Brass hardware is featured on the doors & drawers - did we mention that we love the storage along the backside of the island?! Large glass pendants give an industrial feel as they compliment the brass kitchen faucet. The farmhouse sink is tucked nicely under a stunning marble countertop, and is large enough for pots and pans!

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The Perimeter
A large Jenn-Air stove is the centerpiece of this kitchen perimeter. Whether you're a 5-star chef, or a home cook - this kitchen has all the amenities needed to make your masterpiece. The custom vented hood is large and makes a statement, while the white subway tile blends in to it's surroundings - letting other features in the kitchen pop! Cabinets to the ceiling offer plenty of storage as well as the pantry to the right of the fridge.

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Casual Dining
Comfortable, chic, art deco - 3 "words" we'd use to describe this space. Wainscoted walls add elegance, while the large rustic table brings comfort. The cove ceiling with crown molding creates a separate space for this casual dining area from the rest of the kitchen. 3 large black Andersen windows offer lots of light and really bring the outdoors in. 

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What is your favorite part of this space?

Fall Maintenance Tips

Summer is wrapping up, and we've begun ordering PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes) and taking our cinnamon flavored candles out from storage. But, while some of us may be a little excited to slip into the cozy clothes, watch football, and eat chili, we can't forget about taking care of business - your home.

It's important to prepare your home for the upcoming season - inside & out. Here is a list of items you should be taking care of during Fall to help your home get through our (sometimes) frigid Minnesota winters. 

- Inspect and clean gutters & downspouts
- Seal gaps & cracks around windows & doors
- Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents
- Repair driveways, sidewalks, and steps
- Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
- Store any lawnmowers, weed-whips, etc. and prepare your snowblower (test to make sure it works), shovels, etc. for the coming winter.

- Clean or replace your dirty furnace filters (you should be doing this monthly)
- Inspect your furnace or have your HVAC contractor do a maintenance check to prepare for heating your home this winter
- Test smoke alarms & CO detectors (change batteries if needed)
- Check dryer venting - make sure it's clear of lint
- Get our your rake & garbage bags
- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

Once you've prepared your home for the coming winter, sit back with a warm cup of apple cider (or PSL) under a cozy blanket, and RELAX.

Enjoy this magical season with your loved ones!

Room of the Month - Yellowstone Rec Room

This Lower Level Rec/Family Room is perfect for entertaining! It features a ping pong table, stone fireplace, reclaimed barn wood, barn doors, bar, and more! 

Family Room
Cozy on up to the fireplace to enjoy your favorite movie or sporting event! This fireplace features stone to the ceiling & a reclaimed barnwood mantle. Custom built ins frame the fireplace & offer plenty of storage! 

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Game Table Area
Whether you're super competitive or just want to play a good 'ole friendly game -this spot is perfect for you! The barn doors on the wall help bring the rustic touch to this area of the large space. 

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Bar
This Wet Bar is the perfect place to belly up to enjoy a cold brew! It has walkout access to the patio, which makes it perfect for entertaining - inside or out! It features a stone mosaic backsplash, granite countertops, and pendant lighting - to give you that "real" bar feel! It opens up to the rest of the Rec Room, making entertaining a breeze! 

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What is your favorite part of this Lower Level Rec/Family Room?

Refresh Your Style

If you are looking for ways to refresh your style, there are a lot of fun ways to liven up a room . Adding accent colors and patterns can really make a room stand out.

A few ways to add color and patterns to a room are by adding bright colored accent pieces.

A few bright accent pieces can add a lot of color to a room.

Throw pillows are a fun way to brighten up a room, for any season!

You don't always have to paint the walls to add color to a room...Instead paint the cabinets!

Colored furniture can make a bold statement.

Wallpaper in a small space is really eye catching.

Area rugs & accessories are a fan favorite to add color to a space.

Furniture with patterns are a great way to liven up a room.

Where is your favorite place to add a pop of color in your home? 

Room of the Month - Fox Street Owner's Suite

Picture your dream Owner's Suite...Would it have a large shower, soaking tub, heated floors, and plenty of storage? We thought so. The Owner's Suite at our Fox Street Model is truly a dream come true! 

Bedroom
You walk into the Owner's Suite through double doors. To the left is the bedroom, to the right is the private bathroom. The bedroom is spacious and the large windows offer great light! The cozy sitting area features built-in book cases & recessed can lighting. Who wouldn't want to curl up and read a book here?

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Bathroom
This Owner's Suite Bathroom is a showstopper! Marble floors & countertops add an elegant feel to this luxurious bathroom. This room is bright & airy while offering all the amenities you need to start or end your day. Enameled white cabinetry features practical storage as well as display shelves. Chrome fixtures add a little "bling" to an already stunning bathroom. Let the heated floor warm your toes as you hop into the freestanding soaking tub. 

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Closet
The closet is spacious, yet practical. Plenty of room for hanging as well as drawers and shoe shelves! The best part of this closet is that it has a pocket door leading to the laundry room. Talk about convenience! 

What is your favorite part of this beautiful Owner's Suite?

Screen Porch Decorating Tips

A screened in porch is a hot commodity in Minnesota! Where are Winters are long, our Summers are short, and our Spring & Fall are a melting pot of weather. Our summers in Minnesota are immensely enjoyed, and well deserved. Exterior entertaining spaces are a great way to add value to your home & make for a cozy additional living area. Here are some helpful tips on decorating these unique spaces!

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Add Accessories - Planters, throw pillows, lamps, end tables, rugs, and flowers are all easy ways to add color and make your space more at home.

Weather Friendly Finishes - Make sure the furniture you put on your patio can hold up against the elements.

Make it Cozy - Using an area rug and throw pillows can really warm up your screen porch.

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Add Lighting - Lamps or out door string lights will let you be able to enjoy your screen porch well into the evening hours. 

Mix & Match Planters - Using different planters for your flowers and plants will give it a complete look. 

What is your favorite thing about your screen porch?